The American Council on Education and the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching announced that Central College is one of 40 U.S. colleges and universities to receive the 2024 Carnegie Community Engagement Classification, an elective designation that indicates institutional commitment to community engagement.

This classification is awarded following a process of self-study by each institution, which is then assessed by a national review committee. Central submitted 100 pages of documentation for its renewal application. The classification award demonstrates Central has made and continues to make extraordinary commitments to its mission of being engaged citizens of its communities. The process ensures Central is leveraging the power of the institution to positively impact Pella and the broader community.

Central was re-classified for the Carnegie Community Engagement Classification, which it received initially in 2015.